In Focus

Warning to Labor: Don’t ignore disabled voices

A new political rift is brewing in Australia over disability funding — with senior bureaucrats warning Labor ministers not to “listen too closely” to disability advocacy groups who say cuts and slowed growth are hurting vulnerable Australians. The leaked advice, reported by The Australian, shows a stark disconnect between government cost-cutting pressures and the reality […]

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Cumbrian union fights back against cuts to disabled workers’ support

Union members in Cumbria have launched a fresh wave of protests against proposed funding cuts that could strip away vital workplace support for disabled employees. The demonstration, organised by Unison and local disability advocates, highlights the potential impact of scaling back Access to Work provisions — the government scheme that helps people with disabilities get

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Australia’s life insurance premiums see modest growth — but is disability cover keeping up?

Australia’s life insurance market is forecast to grow by just 1.7% this year — raising fresh questions about whether disability cover is keeping pace with rising living costs and the real needs of policyholders. According to new data released by GlobalData, the country’s total life insurance premium income is expected to reach AUD 59.5 billion

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When disability drags on: Chronic conditions driving complex claims

A new report warns that the real cost of workplace disability isn’t just who’s off sick — but how long they’re gone. According to recent research highlighted in Canadian HR Reporter, the biggest challenge facing employers today is the growing impact of chronic conditions that lead to longer, more complex disability claims. By Stacy Thomas

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Community transport: An overlooked lifeline needs support

For many older Australians and people with disabilities, community transport is not a luxury — it’s a lifeline. It’s the difference between getting to a vital medical appointment or missing it entirely. It means staying socially connected, collecting medication, or simply living life with dignity and independence. By Katarina Lloyd Jones – Australian Ageing Agenda

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Tackling stigma: Helping nurses support people with learning disabilities

Stigma and bias remain some of the biggest barriers faced by people with learning disabilities — and too often, it’s felt most acutely in healthcare settings. By Joanne Blair and Shannon Porter – Nursing Times A new spotlight from the UK’s Nursing Times highlights why supporting nurses to better understand and challenge stigma is so

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NDIS sparks surge in exam support for Australian students

Educational support for students with disabilities—including extra exam assistance, rest breaks, and specialized accommodations—has surged across every Australian state and territory, a trend strongly linked to greater awareness around mental health and the expansion of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). By Paul Karp – Financial Review The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority reports

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Half a million Australians living with severe mental illness

An alarming new report reveals that over 500,000 Australians are living with severe mental illness — many without the critical support they need. This includes individuals battling complex conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and chronic depression. By Sebastian Rosenberg – The Conversation Despite national funding and reforms, gaps in care continue to leave vulnerable

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Inclusive Pride: Everyone belongs

Pride Month is in full swing around the world, and this year’s celebrations are sending a clear message — inclusion means everyone. Across Australia and beyond, LGBTQIA+ Pride events are becoming more accessible and disability-friendly, offering meaningful ways for people with disabilities to participate and be celebrated. By David McManus – Disability Support Guide While

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Global AI pause threatens disability access

As global leaders, tech CEOs, and policymakers from the United States, European Union, and international institutions debate the future of artificial intelligence, a growing call for an AI development moratorium is gaining traction. But disability advocates warn: a sweeping pause could set back decades of progress for people with disabilities—especially in countries where inclusive technology

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